3 Little Snow People

Felt Tree Update:
The material has been cut (for 3 days). All that is left to do is sew and stuff the tree.
Ornaments Update:
I have completed 1 set (3) ornaments with only 10 more sets to go. Want to see what I have done?


I am quite giddy over these little artworks. (Ok, so maybe I am exagerating by calling them artwork but I really love them.) I think this is a must have for every family. Next year I am going to make an ornament for each family in the extended fam.

I am falling asleep at the keyboard so it is bedtime. Night.

Better Late Than Never

While my beautiful child slept one afternoon last week I was able to create my autumn wreath. I am very happy about how it turned out. The best part is that I didn't need to glue anything so I will be able to transition the wreath to other seasons.

Our boy's favorite part is the berries. It's mine too.

O Christmas Tree To Be, Part 1

Today I decided on making our christmas tree. Since we don't have a lot of room in our rental I threw out the old tree when the baby was on his way. So out with the old and in with the new. We still don't have much room (haven't moved yet) so I must do something small or 2-D.
After much searching of Flickr & Google images I found my pattern. My mind has transitioned through many internal rough drafts in a short time. Quite exhausting work ya know.
I am thinking the tree should be about 4' tall and no more than 3' wide. It will be made of either felt or fleece. I will also be making ornaments with velcro on the back so Little can rearrange them at will.

I think I am going to try to take photos along the way and share the trials and outcome with you. For now though I am on my way to bed. An early trip to WalMart or Hobby Lobby requires it.

A little progress

**Thanks for all the comments. Please go here to enter the giveaway because of all the comment love.**

I have almost finished this project. When I get a chance to go to Hobby Lobby again I will get a wood embroidery hoop to frame it. I was inspired by a few cakes on Flickr. The yellow is not as pronounced as I was hoping for but I think it does the job of highlighting the pattern.

This project is complete. It turned out a bit longer than necessary but I like the ruffle at the bottom. This may be something I keep for myself. We shall see. (Sorry for the blurry photo. I should have retaken it but it's late.)

So I have a couple of things to show for last week. Mind you they are not the things I told myself needed to be done. Ahhh, such is the to do list when one project is bugging me.

Col's bag is giving me headaches since it has been on my TO DO list for weeks. I did get a couple of steps done last week but I still have several to go before the bag is done. The light at the end of the tunnel is that of all the people I am creating for this year I think she will appreciate it most.

Instead of the calendars I may be making lots of ornaments for the fam. The calendars (a great idea) are going to be quite expensive and time consuming. Kimba did these and I fell in love. I am seriously considering taking on this project because while it will still be time consuming I think the cost will be LOTS less. I will have a verdict by tomorrow night.

Another gift done

**Thanks to those who have commented. Please go to the giveaway here and take part in the fun.**

I love these napkins. I certainly got better the more I did. Not that they are perfect. Maybe perfectly imperfect. Maybe perfectly handmade. The one in the front is my favorite. All those knots took a lot of time though.
On a side track I may do an art piece with millions of little french knots just because it would be so pretty. Maybe a mixture of stitches and knots just for appeal. We shall see.

Another side note. I voted. Did you? I don't want to open up my blog to all the politics but I am still girl-crushing on Saucy for her excellent blog yesterday.

I have noticed a little more traffic around here but I am not getting any comments. So if you read this or any other post can I ask you to please say "hi"? I promise not to bite and will visit your blog, and comment, if you have one. Is that enough of a bribe? No. Ok, so how's this if I get even 5 different commenters to any post in the next week I will do a giveaway. So please say "Hi."

Another gift done

The Mama taught me how to make a doll while I was there visiting. I like the finished product but the tinyness of it made me very frustrated. Thank goodness The Mama was there to bail me out in my times of frustration otherwise Giggles would not have graced this world.

This little dolly is temporarily named Giggles until GG decides differently. Isn't she just as cute as can be? Too bad I will most likely not be making anymore of them. The only exception may be if I ever have a daughter of my own.

Planning for a homemade holiday

I have decided since we are getting close I need a plan of attack on this home made holiday.
Things I need to get in RED
Things I already have in YELLOW
Next Actions in GREEN

DH - wool beanie, if I still have time I may make a lap quilt Need material. Lots of material.
Little Man - rag quilt, (crayon roll, colored pencil roll, marker roll) if time permits I will do these (we are also going to get him a big boy bed so the quilt will need to be more substantial than I was going to make.) Need material: 2 yds x 3 colors, batting, thread. Need TIME!

Sister - handbag (3 compartment, small, black, zipper and snap) I have the material for this. Pattern Complete. Cut material.
Princess V - rag quilt need material: 1.5 yds x 2 colors, batting
Jay Bug - rag quilt need material: 1.5 yds x 2 colors, batting

Uncle Doug & Aunt Phyllis - Embroidered napkins (4-6) Done!

Crystal - handbag I have the material for this. Cut material.

The Mama - apron Need Emmeline pattern.

Scarlett - tutu Need material, 3 yds tulle, elastic, silk flowers. Need waist measurement.

Susan - apron & hipslinger if time allows Need Emmeline pattern.
Linda - hipslinger if I have time

Matt - wool beanie & scarf, , Need 3 skeins wool in grey.
Colleen - handbag IN PROGRESS!
GG - Doll

Logan - rag quilt Need material: 1 yd x 2 colors.

Silhouette Ornaments- get paper for background and black
Jam - (11)
Banana Bread - (18) Find my recipe. Thaw bananas.

A tired gal

Tonight I am a tired gal. Good thing my hubs wanted to order pizza to watch the Raiders/Broncos game. (I have no idea how it turned out and honestly could care less.) I made big progress on the quilt for GG today. I appliqued the circles on the green facing panels using a super cute decorative stitch from my handy-dandy sewing machine. (I really liked playing with the decorative stitches and think I will be using them more in the future.) I then got my whole first row (4 panels) sewn together. And half (2 panels) of the second row. I would have done more but my boy was begging for me to read him Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr. Seuss. That was the instant priority. All is good though because I have nearly a week and a half to finish it. I seriously doubt that it will take more than two more good naps like today to finish. I can't wait to wash it and see how it gets all un-ravelly (good word) any perfect.
I must be getting to bed in hopes of getting up early tomorrow to start my full day.

It's gonna be a handmade holiday

My lists are getting in the holiday spirit even if I am no where near ready for it. I thought that I would keep tabs on my projects for gifts here. My goal is 100% handmade gifts this year. Part of my reason is because I want to take back christmas from the big box stores and really feel the spirit of the season. The other part of my reason is to have our year end expenses under control. By making things for everyone through out the year I am spreading out the cost. If all goes well I will be continuing with this tradition next year.


DH - wool beanie, if I still have time I may make a lap quilt, anything else will probably be bought.
Little Man - rag quilt, (crayon roll, colored pencil roll, marker roll) if time permits I will do these (we are also going to get him a big boy bed so the quilt will need to be more substantial than I was going to make.)

Dad - calendar, jam & banana bread. (Last year we did a photo mug and deck of card from Snapfish and he loved them so maybe this year the calendar will envoke the same feeling.)

Sister - handbag (3 compartment, small, black, zipper and snap)
BIL - jam & banana bread, calendar
Princess V - rag quilt
Jay Bug - rag quilt

Uncle Doug & Aunt Phyllis - Calendar, banana bread, Embroidered napkins (4)

Dean & Ashley -banana bread, jam, calendar
Crystal - handbag

Uncle Dane - jam & banana bread, calendar

Papa John - calendar, jam & banana bread
The Mama - apron
Katie & Josh -calendar, jam & banana bread
Scarlett - tutu

Tracy - jam & banana bread, calendar
Susan - apron & hipslinger if time allows
Damon (ship to HI) - jam & banana bread, calendar
Linda - hipslinger if I have time

Matt - wool beanie & scarf, jam, banana bread
Colleen - handbag
GG - Doll

Cory & Stacy - calendar, jam & banana bread
Logan - rag quilt
Big Tracy - calendar, jam, banana bread

Gene & Shirley - Calendar
Bill & Sue - Calendar

Extras: classy notebook, quite book, reversible journal cover, fabric diaper case, car trash bag, tote 2, tote 3, swatch portraits, eye pillow, wellness gifts, sachets, lavender crafts, scrabble tile pendant, baby projects, diaper/messenger bag, portfolio, decoupage silouettes

***disclaimer: this post may be revised often as I make decisions about different projects. I PROMISE to share the things that I complete unless they are for The Mama or any other visitors that may find out what their gift is before the season is upon us.***
***revised Sept 29*** completed project
***revised Oct 7*** changed up projects
***revised Oct 18*** completed project, reduced projects
***revised Nov 4*** completed project

I need a pocket!

Why do I buy clothes without pockets? Because they are cute and I am really wondering if they make my butt look big rather than if there is ample room to stow my electronic life (aka cell phone), lighter, a extra paci, car keys and whatever other miscellany that ends up in a pocket.
I was tellin' The Mama about my need the other day ad she told me to send her some pockets from worn out jeans. (It's on my ever present list ma.) I can't wait to see what she does with some used jeans pockets. Interesting.
So that is a long intro to what I discovered on Craftster this morning. This neato Hipslinger. Not quite a fanny pack so my sister can't laugh at me but something sleek that would be nice to wear to the park on my walk with A or even something for around the house while picking up when it is just a bit too hot to wear an apron. I am off to print this tutorial and add it to my (not quite complete) craft notebook.

Beautiful Paper Lily

I have been so busy for the last couple of weeks that I haven't created a single thing. BLAH! So the other day I was listening to an audiobook that mentioned something about origami. This leads me to add scrapbook paper to my dollar store list. Today before the baby shower I needed to stop at said dollar store and pick up a bow and miscellaneous other goodies.
Tonight following a dinner with sister & brother in law and getting little man to sleep I decided to look for a simple origami instruction. I found this beautiful (and easy) tutorial over here and made this:

Isn't it pretty. I think I may make a few of these and put them in my vases in the living room. Maybe a couple of sizes too. I now feel like this unstuck my creative backup that I was experiencing. I have high hopes to at least begin my pretty red top this week. (I should also work on dad's curtains but I think I can hold off for a little while longer.)

a clutch

Today I started a cute clutch for my mom. It is gonna be so cute when it's finished. The outside is a lovely aqua blue with a pink lining. I hope to finish it by Wednesday. Tomorrow I will be going to Colorado Springs for lunch so I doubt I will get any time to work on my projects. We'll see.

This close

Today I almost finished a pair of pants for myself. I got to the point of trying them on and setting the hem then realized that they need a lining. So I need to run to the store for material. It will be a few days before I can run over there though. I will be sure to post a picture as soon as they are done.

How to make Bias Tape

I found some really great links to make bias tape. This helped me a whole lot cause I am the girl without a clue. The method and instructions I used can be found here. While I decided to use a striped fabric I do not recommend it as a first attempt. (PITA!!!)
Thoughts for the next time:
1. No stripes.
2. You don't need a full yard of fabric cause it makes a TON!
3. Spend the time to really square things up. Doing so will make your life way easier.
4. Consider purchasing some kind of quilting square to make the squaring and cutting a bit easier.
5. Next time buy a bigger cutting mat. 12"x18" is a little small for this project (and many others).
6. Measure as you cut the strips. This is lots easier than measuring a bunch first then being off and having to remeasure anyway.

Edited to add:
This bias tape will be featured on my next apron. I will post a link to my ETSY store when I have it in there.

Its here! Its here!

My new sewing machine is here. Oh boy is she sexy! When I turn her on I get a friendly little noise that tells me she is ready to go. I have only had time to sew the pockets onto my circle skirt but I love her already. I think she needs a name. Maybe Bella. I like it. Motion passes. The sewing machine is Bella.
The project line up is as follows:
1. Circle skirt
2. Apron(s) with Lady C
3. Linen pants
4. grocery bags
5. handbag (potential christmas gift or something for the Etsy store)
That seems like more than enough to keep me busy for the next month or so. I can't wait to get started at little one's nap time tomorrow.